Cascade Platinum ActionPacs - Fresh Scent

A robust enzyme-based dishwasher pod formulated with oxygen bleach and silver protection agents, though it relies on synthetic fragrances and dyes for aesthetic appeal.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formulation represents a premium cleaning profile. It features a dual-enzyme system (Subtilisin and Amylase) to effectively break down protein and starch-based soils. The bleaching system is highly effective, combining Sodium Carbonate Peroxide with a Transition Metal Catalyst, allowing for potent stain removal even at lower temperatures. Additionally, the use of Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (MGDA) provides superior chelating performance to combat hard water without phosphates, while Acrylic and Sulphonic Acid Copolymers serve as excellent anti-spotting agents for glassware.

Safety Rating: 2.7

The product contains ingredients typical of concentrated detergents that pose risks if mishandled. Sodium Carbonate Peroxide and Isotridecanol Ethoxylated are strong irritants, particularly to eyes. Subtilisin is a known respiratory sensitizer. The inclusion of unspecified Fragrances and multiple synthetic dyes (Acid Blue 182, Acid Red 33) adds potential allergens and unnecessary chemical load. As a soluble pod, it poses a significant ingestion risk to children compared to powders or gels.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a high-efficacy detergent likely to outperform most eco-friendly alternatives and standard powders due to its advanced chemistry (MGDA, catalysts, and specialized polymers). While it achieves a nearly perfect score on cleaning capability, the heavy reliance on synthetic additives, fragrances, and dyes lowers its safety and environmental score. It is an excellent choice for difficult dishwashing loads but less suitable for households prioritizing hypoallergenic or strictly natural ingredients.

Verdict

Based on the provided ingredient list, this dishwasher detergent pod represents a high-performance conventional formulation designed to tackle tough food residues and stains effectively. The primary cleaning backbone consists of Sodium Carbonate combined with Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, providing a strong alkaline environment and oxygen-based bleaching action to lift colored stains like tea or coffee. This is significantly boosted by a dual-enzyme system featuring Subtilisin (Protease) and Amylase, which actively break down protein-based stuck-on food and starchy residues like pasta or potatoes. One of the standout features of this formula is the inclusion of specific corrosion inhibitors, namely Tolyltriazole and Benzotriazole. These ingredients are specifically added to protect metal components, making this product safer for silverware and dishwasher parts than generic alternatives that lack these protectants. The use of Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate as a chelating agent is a modern choice, serving as a more biodegradable alternative to phosphates or EDTA for managing hard water minerals. However, consumers seeking a strictly ‘all-natural’ or hypoallergenic product might find the ingredient list less appealing. The formula relies on Isotridecanol Ethoxylated and PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether as surfactants. While effective at cutting grease and rinsing clean, these ethoxylated compounds, along with the Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids, classify this as a synthetic detergent rather than a plant-based one. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrances and multiple synthetic dyes (such as Acid Blue 182 and Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophores) adds aesthetic appeal but contributes nothing to cleaning power, potentially serving as unnecessary irritants for sensitive individuals. Ultimately, this pod is engineered for convenience and efficacy. It utilizes a Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer film for easy dosing and includes a Transition Metal Catalyst to ensure the bleach activates effectively even in lower temperature cycles. It is a solid choice for households with heavy soil loads and hard water, provided they are not sensitive to synthetic scents or dyes.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleaning Agents & Builders / 清洁剂与助洗剂

🧪 Sodium Carbonate / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Alkaline builder that softens water and improves cleaning performance.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin in pure form.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate / 甲基甘氨酸二乙酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent used to bind calcium and magnesium ions (water softening).

Concerns: Generally considered safer and more biodegradable than older chelants like EDTA or phosphates.

Notes: Often referred to as MGDA.

🧪 Sodium Carbonate Peroxide / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Oxygen-based bleaching agent that removes stains and sanitizes.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; can be irritating to skin and eyes.

Notes: Releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water.

🧪 Transition Metal Catalyst / 过渡金属催化剂

Purpose: Boosts the performance of the oxygen bleach at lower temperatures.

Concerns: Specific composition varies; generally low concentration but active chemically.

Notes: Enhances the efficacy of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide.

📁 Surfactants & Polymers / 表面活性剂与聚合物

🧪 Isotridecanol Ethoxylated / 异十三醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps remove grease and food residues.

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity concerns; usually biodegradable.

Notes: Helps in wetting surfaces.

🧪 PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether / PEG/PPG 丙基庚基醚

Purpose: Low-foaming non-ionic surfactant.

Concerns: Generally low concern, but ethoxylated compounds can contain trace impurities.

Notes: Designed to clean without creating excessive foam in the dishwasher.

🧪 Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids / 丙烯酸和磺酸共聚物

Purpose: Dispersant that prevents soil redeposition and spotting/filming on glassware.

Concerns: Low biodegradability compared to natural ingredients.

Notes: Key for the ‘shine’ factor in detergents.

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶

Purpose: Protease enzyme that breaks down protein-based stains (egg, meat).

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; can cause allergies if inhaled (dust).

Notes: Biological cleaning agent.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based stains (pasta, rice, potatoes).

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; potential allergen.

Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.

📁 Solvents & Processing Aids / 溶剂与加工助剂

🧪 Sodium Sulfate / 硫酸钠

Purpose: Filler and processing aid; helps powder flow.

Concerns: None significantly; inert.

Notes: Often present as a byproduct or bulking agent.

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent and binder for liquid components.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Trace amounts used in processing or liquid chambers.

🧪 Dipropylene Glycol / 二丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent used to stabilize the pod structure and liquid ingredients.

Concerns: Low toxicity; generally safe.

Notes: Helps maintain the texture of the detergent.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant and solvent; stabilizes enzymes and protects the pod film.

Concerns: None; widely used in food and cosmetics.

Notes: Keeps the pod flexible.

📁 Metal Protection / 金属保护剂

🧪 Tolyltriazole / 甲苯三唑

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor specifically for protecting copper and brass.

Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Notes: Protects metal parts of the dishwasher and utensils.

🧪 Benzotriazole / 苯并三唑

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor used to prevent tarnishing of silver and other metals.

Concerns: Potential persistent environmental pollutant.

Notes: Silver protection agent.

📁 Aesthetics, Film & Others / 外观、薄膜及其他

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the detergent and the machine.

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis and allergies.

Notes: Exact composition is often proprietary.

🧪 Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer / 聚乙烯醇聚合物

Purpose: Water-soluble film that encapsulates the detergent pod.

Concerns: Biodegradability depends on specific environmental conditions.

Notes: Dissolves completely in the wash cycle.

🧪 Acid Blue 182 / 酸性蓝 182

Purpose: Colorant (Blue).

Concerns: Synthetic dye; generally safe in wash-off products.

Notes: Aesthetic ingredient.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (yellow) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团(黄)

Purpose: Colorant (Yellow).

Concerns: Specific toxicity depends on structure; generally low in consumer dilution.

Notes: Macromolecular dye.

🧪 Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) / 聚氧化烯取代发色团(蓝)

Purpose: Colorant (Blue).

Concerns: Specific toxicity depends on structure.

Notes: Macromolecular dye.

🧪 Acid Red 33 / 酸性红 33

Purpose: Colorant (Red).

Concerns: Generally safe for intended use; synthetic dye.

Notes: Aesthetic ingredient.